Alaska Airlines from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport to New Orleans

An excursion from the tranquility of Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport to the vibrant heart of New Orleans via the emblematic Alaskan Airline is a journey saturated with a blend of experiences. Still, to deeply decipher this travel prospect, the exploration should descend into the finer details of the flight journey, including the flights themselves, airfare, and services provided by Alaska, among others.

Let’s initially delve into the discussion of flight types. When flying from Wichita to New Orleans, travelers typically have to choose between direct flights and connecting flights. Direct flights, albeit convenient, are admittedly rare in this case as most flights offer at least one layover. The layover times typically vary. However, it's worth noting that while a layover may initially seem like a detriment, they can offer you time to stretch your legs or explore a new city briefly, depending on the flight duration. The stopover is often at one of Alaska's more prominent hubs such as Seattle – an interesting detour and a chance to experience a sampling of Pacific- Northwest culture between flights.

Airfare becomes the subsequent point of attention. If one is looking for cheap flights, the best time to book, according to thorough analysis, is about a month to six weeks before the desired departure date. For an even better flight deal, one could book a red-eye flight, which serve to keep airfare down due to their less popular departure times. Furthermore, last-minute flights could occasionally offer unparalleled deals—though this approach is a gamble that may not always pay off and is generally best suited to spontaneous travelers.

Moving on, the experience during the flight is of the essence as well. Alaska's in-flight services are notoriously generous. Whether you're in economy class, premium economy or doling out for first-class or business class, expect a robust array of comforts including food, beverages, and entertainment. For those embarking on a mileage program or frequent flyer initiative, Alaska’s acclaimed program is worth considering. It's celebrated for its generous points system and useful benefits that elevate the experience of loyal customers.

Perusing Alaska’s baggage allowance policies, it’s prudent for travelers to note that it is dually dependent on the ticket type and the customer's status within the airline's mileage program. For instance, first-class ticket holders and "Mileage Plan" elite level members have a more generous allowance than those in economy class. Travelers would be wise to review this policy in detail to avoid last minute confusions or hefty fees.

Moreover, it is critical to consider the flight cancellation policy. Given the unpredictable nature of travel - especially now - Alaska’s policy allows for changes and cancellifications up to 24 hours post booking with no fees, as long as the mission is made more than seven days before travel. This policy provides a safety net for those wary of making non-refundable commitments in an uncertain time.

Airline reviews affirm Alaska's reputation for exceptional customer service, punctuality, and overall premium service across various classes. Despite being a domestic airliner, the carrier serves as a deft ambassador of Alaskan hospitality, a trait that resonates beyond American borders and further elevates the airline's image.

In retrospect, the journey from Wichita to New Orleans via Alaska promises an engaging experience stitched by various elements - the anticipation painted by the contrasting cities, the strategic planning of the flights, and intricate considerations of airfare and services. It's a path that extends beyond just air travel, effectively mimicking the Alaskan state's geographical trait of being the Northernmost, Westernmost, and Easternmost state in the United States due to the Aleutian Islands stretching across the 180º line of Longitude. In line with this, the airline offers a dynamic range of possibilities, a trip not confined by typical boundaries, assimilating and projecting the grandeur of its home state.